White Lies - To Lose my Life...

Rating: * * * *

Those looking for a new favourite band would do well to look into London three-piece White Lies. With the swagger of David Bowie, the searing synths of The Killers and the deep, melodic rumble of Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos, White Lies tick all the boxes.

Their debut album To Lose My Life ... serves up a divine collection of soaring, anthemic indie rock that takes all the best parts of the Editors, Interpol and even Coldplay - without the bad bits.

Deep, brooding lyrics are balanced by big hooks and speeding riffs that beckon you to the dancefloor. But unlike other indie-rockers who churn out the same song, there is a diversity to White Lies that sees every track reveal a new delight. Organs, pianos and sweeping string arrangements turn standard indie tracks into seductive, hypnotic anthems.

Opening track Death is simply superb. From a solitary, pulsing bassline, Harry McVeigh's deep, crisp voice calls softly, before a chorus of guitars kick in, jump-starting the track. Then it's all pulled back to three simple piano chords and strings, turned back up to a thrashing crescendo, down again to rolling drum beats and chanting vocals, and finally back up to a soaring synth-driven finale.

It could well be your new favourite song from your new favourite band.

Joanna Hunkin